New video obtained by ABC News appears to show migrants being held in cramped, unsanitary conditions inside a federal building at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City.
The footage, blurred to protect identities, shows over a dozen detainees on the floor or benches with only thermal blankets and minimal privacy around toilets.
“Like Dogs”: Migrant’s Account Raises Alarms
In Spanish, the man filming the video describes the conditions as being treated “like dogs.” He was detained after an immigration hearing and shared the footage with a local civic group, which then released it publicly through New York State Assembly member Catalina Cruz and the New York Immigration Coalition.
DHS Claims Facility is for Processing, Not Detention
Despite the footage, the Department of Homeland Security insists the location is a processing site, not a detention center. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said detainees are “briefly processed” before being moved to official ICE facilities and that conditions meet federal standards for food, medical care, and communication.
Lawmakers Denied Access, Advocates Demand Oversight
Congressmen Jerry Nadler and Dan Goldman were recently denied entry to the facility, sparking concern over transparency. “What are they hiding?” Goldman asked, criticizing DHS for violating the law by barring elected officials from inspecting the site.
Allegations of Human Rights Violations
Advocates and lawmakers argue the reality is far different from DHS claims. Cruz said the videos are “extremely angering” and accused the agency of intentionally hiding the mistreatment. “They don’t want people to see exactly what they’re doing, which is violating people’s human rights,” she said.
Calls for Accountability and Humane Treatment
Cruz and advocacy groups are demanding congressional oversight and basic rights for detainees—access to food, medication, beds, and bathrooms. “We need to fight back to make sure folks are treated with dignity,” she added.
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